The human foot is quite complex, it is made up of 26 bones and 33 joints; the anatomy of the foot is an intricate and fascinating marvel to behold. However, because of how much we use our feet and because of the complex nature of the feet, foot conditions and blemishes are something that virtually all people will deal with at some point in their lives. There is an abundance of health and cosmetic issues involving the feet. Let’s take a look at the most common issues seen involving the human foot.
- Athlete’s Foot
- Blisters
- Bunions
- Corns
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Heel Spur
- Claw Toe
- Gout
- Ingrown Toenails
- Fungal Nail Infections
- Plantar Wart
- Morton’s Neuroma
Most of us know that you get athlete’s foot from contact with a fungus found in damp conditions. Many of us also know that foot warts are common and that there are wart treatments available for those who suffer from them. Although we have awareness concerning athlete’s foot and wart treatments – which can be remedied easily if you stop by a foot care clinic – many of us lack knowledge concerning many of the more dangerous foot conditions.
Persons with diabetesare at risk of suffering from something known as Diabetic neuropathy, which is caused by unregulated high blood sugar. When blood sugar goes unregulated, it can cause nerve damage in the feet. Symptoms of neuropathy are loss of feeling in the feet and tingling in the feet, and while this can create complications, special diabetic socks and quality diabetic shoes can significantly help improve circulation in the feet.
Many socks are available for medical or athletic use. Athletes can use compression socks to reduce muscle soreness after exercise, increase circulation and reduce exercise-induced peripheral edema. Quality footwear alongside compression socks can help support the feet and back and prevent premature knee injuries. Quality footwear suited to your needs can supply proper support for key areas of the feet and distribute weight to help prevent and reduce injuries.
Furthermore, a condition known as gait abnormality is caused by improper walking. Here is a link for information on gait abnormalities and the problems they can pose. A gait abnormality has different causes, including:
- Birth defects
- Arthritis
- Tissue damage to the legs caused by infection
Gait abnormalities also have pain associated with them, including leg pain, foot pain, knee pain and even back pain.
No matter the cause, foot conditions and blemishes should be evaluated and treated by a professional. Always remember to reach out to an expert to ensure you receive proper foot care and be sure to deal with it sooner rather than later. As with most health problems, a complication related to foot health can arise and make the situation much, much worse if you dally. This means that treatment may be more expensive, but even worse, it means that you may experience more discomfort and experience greater trouble walking than if it were dealt with swiftly.
Prevention is always better than treatment, just ask your local chiropodist!